What’s your True North

Sometimes when I read books I realize the author’s point is a variation or derivative of another concept that I studied in the past. It’s doesn’t mean the two authors thoughts are necessarily linked in any-way. I just get the same basis from each of their thoughts as I consider application in my life.

Here’s an example:

In Start with Why Simon Sinek talks about the power of understanding ‘why’ we do something and its relationship to ‘how’ and ‘what’ we do. He argues successful companies are started with a ‘why’ by an individual or group. ‘Why’ is the driving idea for inspiration and innovation. When companies lose sight of ‘why’ they are in business and solely focus on what they produce, the results are not as beneficial to employees and customers.

I linked Sinek’s idea to basing management decisions on a long-term philosophy, (even at the expense of short-term financial goals), from the book The Toyota Way by Dr. Jeffrey Liker. In the Lean Principles a True North is a vision of an ideal state. True North is a guide to help with long term thinking because it is based on ‘why’ more than ‘how’ and ‘what’.

Why?

A while back I considered the lean principle of basing management decisions on a long-term philosophy. I thought about why I chose a professional career in Information Technology. Why am I motivated by certain experiences at work and not others?

I documented my answer as a mission statement.

IT Mission – “We connect people through systems and solutions.”

It’s simple. My ‘why’ is more about people than machines. My ‘why’ is more about solving problems than working with technology.